ASIS INTERNATIONAL HOUSTON CHAPTER

MEETING MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 22, 2004

 

The luncheon meeting was held at Renaissance Hotel one week earlier than usual due to the Annual Conference in Dallas.  Chapter Chairman Mike Crocker CPP presided. 95 members and guests attended.

 

Opening prayer and Pledge: Bill Hart

Committee Activities:

Nominations: HPD Capt. Mark Curran; announced the proposed slate for the 2005 Executive Committee; Chairman: Darin Dillon CPP; Vice-Chair: John Brady, Treasurer: Bob Cascino; Secretary: Pamela Duncan.  Nominations will be accepted at the next two meetings.  No nominations were presented during this meeting.

Newsletter:  Tom Hamilton CPP: The newsletter is at press and will be mailed next week.  He is accepting articles for the next issue.

Treasurer: the report was distributed.  

Certifications: Karim Vellani CPP announced the next class is scheduled October 5th for 8 weeks.  It will be held at the Texas Children’s Hospital from 18.0-20.0, with complimentary parking.

A special tribute was paid to Ed Clendenin CPP, who passed away on June 16th.  Ed’s family attended the luncheon to hear the announcement that the Houston ASIS CPP Library will be named after Ed, with a $100 annual donation in his honor.  The Clendenin Family donated $100 as well.

Corporate Roundtable: There will be a special meeting Sunday, September 26 at the Conference to educate and unify leadership around the State. 

Seminars: Mike Mason CPP distributed a schedule for the annual Houston-ASIS Security Seminar on November 3 & 4 at the Holiday Inn Select on 59 that will focus on Critical Infrastructure Security.  The hotel will offer special rate for out-of-town attendees.  Some of the initial topics highlighted are Crime Stat Analysis and Risk Assessment; Emergency Planning; Investigations; Ethics.  Mike Crocker also encouraged everyone to attend the Annual Seminar in Dallas next month.

Membership: Local membership has grown to 310.  Local Chapter dues notices will be mailed soon.  The local directory form on the web page will be updated. 

L.E. Award:  HPD Officers Jerry L. McClain and Michael S. Baccus.

They were accompanied by their supervisor, Captain Watkins.

 

On November 1, 2002, a pastor from a local church in southeast Houston reported a severe gang problem at three different apartment complexes near his church.  The complaint was forwarded to Officer Jerry McClain and Officer Michael Baccus, of the South Central Division’s Gang Unit. Following a preliminary investigation, they confirmed the presence and identity of the Yellowstone Players.  Crime analysis information also confirmed the violent nature of the gang with having linked three fatal shootings within a thirty-day period.  Other gang activity included selling narcotics, committing robberies and intimidating area residents.

 

After conducting a two-month zero-tolerance initiative, Officers McClain and Baccus submitted an Eight-Step Gang Assessment Report requesting H.I.D.T.A. funds to address the situation.  Funding was approved and Operation Broken Glass was implemented.  Both officers enlisted the help of apartment owners and managers along with public and private school administrators.  Trespass affidavits were signed.  Many gang members were subsequently jailed on a variety of charges.  Arrests were also made for seized narcotics and unlawful possession of weapons.  During the ten-month operation, the officers documented 32 gang members, and assisted in 41 felony arrests, 33 misdemeanor arrests and 90 city ordinance arrests.  As a result of the initiative, each arrested member pled guilty, two apartment managers were fired and 25 problem families were evicted from two apartment complexes.  Because of the thorough investigation Officers McClain and Baccus conducted, they have provided a safer, more secure environment for an entire neighborhood.

 

Both Officers were also recognized as National TopCops on by America’s Most Wanted.  The Officers accepted plaques in recognition of the Chapter’s appreciation for their dedication to Law Enforcement and public security.

 

 

Speaker:  Captain Richard M. Kaser

Commanding Officer – Marine Safety Office Houston-Galveston; Captain of the Port; Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection’ Federal Maritime Security Coordinator (Houston, Galveston, Freeport, and Texas City); and Federal on Scene Coordinator for pollution incidents.

 

After highlighting the perimeters and parameters of the Port of Houston, it is obvious there is not much room for error in the Houston Ship Channel.  The first chokehold is the Fred Hartman Bridge and the Exxon Refinery that is located just north of the bridge.  However, Captain Kaser shared the story of a suspicious event which demonstrated the amazing cooperation between private business and the quick response of law enforcement.

 

The Port, including the ships and facilities, much each coordinate plans.  The Maritime Security Committee meets regularly to review and communicate.  If there is an incident that closes the Ship Channel, it affects Wall Street within 4 hours and potentially there would be no gasoline for New England within 3 days.  Therefore, there is a great focus on potential recovery plans.

 

The Port of Houston received 7.8% of the Homeland Security Grants, but that is only one-tenth of the need.  Captain Kaser reviewed the “Legacy Missions” of the Coast Guard that include (but are not inclusive of) Search & Rescue, Aids to Navigation, International Patrols, Law Enforcement, and Marine Environmental Protection.  Prior to 9/11, only 2% of the Coast Guard’s budget went to “national security”, but it is now 80% of their budget.

 

The Coast Guard has built layered defense zones which include random boarding, video/radar surveillance, and facility partnerships.  This also includes the Vessel Traffic Service (the FAA of the water), Sea Marshals; the Maritime Safety and Security Team (a 100-man team equipped with 6 high speed boats and trained by Marine Special Forces); Off-Shore Boarding; Aircraft surveillance; and Industry pilots.

 

The Coast Guard is unique as it is the only agency authorized to be both a military and law enforcement agency.  The Coast Guard is involved in Iraq as well as enforcing national fishing license and environmental issue.  There has been a 50% increase in the Coast Guard budget since 9/11, with a large investment in deep water capitalization (boats and aircraft).  There has been a staffing increase from 38,000 to 44,500.  They have eclipsed the Royal Navy to be the 4th largest navy in the world.  Not only does the Coast Guard defend, but are responsible for prevention and preservation.  The Coast Guard was reassigned to report to the Homeland Security Department, which is a better match as they have been “undervalued” in other agencies.  Captain Kaser’s motto is “Make a little Luck”.  It took the suspicions of one custom agent and “a little luck” to stop the Millennium Bomber.  The nation depends on all of us to “make a little luck” and protect the Houston/Galveston/Freeport area. 

 

After a question and answer period, Captain Kaser was awarded a plaque in appreciation of his time and presentation.

 

The next meeting will be October 27 at the Renaissance Hotel.  Our speaker is Malcolm Browne, Chairman of the Veteran’s Museum in Texas.